Marlin has a tighter action than a modern 30-30, but you have to love hte Model 94.You can also get a good scope setup that all me kids have used for 1st year deer. You have a better safety with the Marlin but if you are going to shoot yourself or someone else it could happen with either.

Offer 150$ or get them to put a scope on it, unless it is an early model. Get some LeverRevolutions rounds and plug away.